The mountain is much more than a landscape. It is life, strength, and magic. It is a refuge where everything makes sense, where I don’t need to think.
Whenever my energy fades and my mind drifts into nostalgia, the mountain reminds me that, in its silence and vastness, the only thing that truly matters is gratitude.
Gratitude for the opportunity to walk, to follow its trails, to feel the breeze, and simply to be present.
Gratitude for the beauty that life so generously offers, through both its ups and its downs, in moments of calm and moments of chaos.
In the mountains, everything falls into place. Everything makes sense.
In the mountains, happiness is simple.
Hiking in Zipacón
Just 50 km from Bogotá, Colombia, lies Zipacón, a town nestled at 2,550 meters (8,366 ft) above sea level. Known as the cultural village of Cundinamarca for its rich musical, artistic, and cultural heritage, this charming destination offers beautiful hiking trails with routes of varying difficulty, making it the perfect place for everyone to enjoy nature.
The journey began with a delicious local snack: aguapanela served with cheese and cornbread. In Colombia, it is traditional to add cheese to aguapanela (and even to hot chocolate), allowing it to melt into the drink. The result is a unique combination that is enjoyed with a spoon. Have you ever tried melted cheese in a hot beverage?
The hike began at Zipacón’s central plaza and followed the old railway line, crossing mostly flat terrain with a gentle downhill slope. Along the way, the playful weather—constantly shifting between sunshine and rain—seemed to test both our endurance and our sense of humor. We could never decide whether to put on our raincoats or take them off. Yet, this ever-changing weather made the experience even more enjoyable. We stopped for a light lunch while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
After the break, the challenge continued with a demanding 400-meter climb that tested us with every step. Finally, we returned to Zipacón’s central plaza—tired, but with the satisfaction of having completed every kilometer of this beautiful 9 km journey.
And I finish writing this with a smile. Somewhere along the way, the rain made me forget… and now my legs hurt! 😊
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